Latest Corporate News News

đź“…March 13, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Major corporate mergers in distribution and uniforms dominate headlines amid US trade probes, Gulf market confidence, Blackstone acquisition, and global oil disruptions impacting firms.
1

Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS Complete Merger

Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS announced the successful closure of their merger on March 12, 2026, creating a leading North American platform for JanSan, foodservice, and industrial packaging with expanded scale and reach.Source 2 The combined entity retains strong local service supported by national capabilities, with shareholders like Bain Capital, Kelso, Advent, Warburg Pincus, FEMSA, and the Tillis family on the board.Source 2Source 4 Leaders Jason Tillis and Ken Sweder emphasized shared values and growth potential.Source 2

2

FEMSA Retains Stake in Imperial Dade-BradyPLUS Merger

FEMSA, represented by Cleary Gottlieb, completed its all-equity merger role, holding approximately 19% ownership and board representation in the new entity.Source 4 The deal, announced in August 2025, enhances North American distribution in key sectors.Source 4 FEMSA participates in logistics, retail via OXXO, and beverages through Coca-Cola FEMSA.Source 4

3

Cintas Acquires UniFirst in $5.5 Billion Deal

Cintas successfully acquired UniFirst for about $5.5 billion on its third attempt after failed bids in 2022 and early 2025.Source 6 The deal strengthens Cintas' position in the uniform and services market.Source 6 Details on integration and strategic benefits were highlighted in industry reports.Source 6

4

Blackstone Acquires Majority Stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies

Blackstone, advised by Kirkland & Ellis, agreed to acquire a majority stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies, a U.S. manufacturer of thermal management solutions.Source 10 ACT's executive team remains in place as significant shareholders.Source 10 The deal focuses on energy efficiency innovations.Source 10

5

Trump Administration Launches Section 301 Probes into 16 Trading Partners

The U.S. initiated Section 301 investigations into 16 major trading partners over excess capacity in sectors like aluminum, semiconductors, and batteries, with comments due April 15.Source 1 Ambassador Greer signaled more probes on forced labor, digital services, and pharmaceuticals.Source 1 This escalates trade tensions amid tax agenda pushes like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.Source 1

6

Global Firms Voice Confidence in Gulf Markets Amid War

Bloomberg, Deloitte, and HSBC affirmed commitment to Gulf states despite Middle East war disruptions, citing resilience and growth.Source 3 Dubai's DIFC added a record 1,924 companies in 2025; ADGM assets rose 48%.Source 3 Leaders like Michael Bloomberg and HSBC's Georges Elhedery emphasized long-term potential.Source 3

7

Einride Advances Merger with Legato Merger Corp III

Einride scheduled a March 19 analyst day ahead of its business combination with Legato, targeting U.S. listing in H1 2026 after $113M oversubscribed raise.Source 8 The deal positions Einride for growth in its sector.Source 8 Investor updates highlight momentum.Source 8

8

Oil Prices Surge Past $100 on Iranian Strikes and Strait Closure

Global oil prices exceeded $100 due to Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and Strait of Hormuz threats.Source 5Source 9 Philippines forecasts diesel up P18/liter, gasoline P15 next week.Source 5 Trump's comments signal ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions impacting energy markets.Source 9

9

Commerce Commission Increases Fuel Company Oversight as Prices Rise

New Zealand's Commerce Commission tightened monitoring of fuel firms amid global price surges from geopolitical events.Source 7 This aims to ensure fair pricing for consumers.Source 7 The move responds to oil market volatility.Source 7

10

U.S. Engages in Digital Tax Dialogue Amid Trade Tensions

Treasury's Rebecca Burch seeks international feedback on digital taxation, avoiding OECD Pillar One revisit despite trade frictions.Source 1 This occurs as Section 301 probes target digital services treatment.Source 1 No spillover from trade to tax talks reported.Source 1

11

Cintas-UniFirst Deal Marks Third Attempt Success in Uniform Sector

After bids in 2022 and 2025, Cintas secured $5.5B acquisition of UniFirst, consolidating market leadership.Source 6 Industry news highlights strategic fit.Source 6 The transaction bolsters Cintas' offerings.Source 6